The number of Texas inmates waiting for state hospital beds steadily rose from just over 200 in February 2015 to a record 1,017 in November 2019.

Catalyst is a specialty unit within the KXAN investigative team focused on "digital-first" storytelling that aims to make a positive change in society. The group takes a multi-platform, innovative approach to each project and rotates among various investigators. Josh Hinkle, David Barer, Arezow Doost, Chris Nelson, Eric Henrikson, Robert Sims and Rachel Garza are the journalists behind "Locked in Limbo." KXAN's Chad Cross, Dax Dobbs, Stephanie Dockery, Will DuPree, Ben Friberg, Rolando Hernandez, Alex Hoder, Eric Lefenfeld, Matt Mitchell, Bob Osborn, Martin Sanchez, John Thomas and Kate Winkle contributed to this project. Special thanks to Karen Ranus, executive director of the NAMI-Central Texas, for her expertise on the Catalyst podcast.

Our analysis of more than 5,600 missing persons uncovers shortfalls in the way Texas tackles cases. Explore »